Winter in Chicago
There was a week or two end of November/beginning of December where it got pretty cold, but it's actually been in the 30s/40s which has been quite pleasant. Of course I say that now as I look out on a cold grey sky.
I have yet to go ice skating, but one winter activity I participated in this year was the holiday train! Each year the CTA trains get decked out with Christmas music, decorations, etc. and Santa even rides the train. I think they usually do it twice for each line (I rode it on the Red Line) and then a few buses get decorated as well. I was torn between letting it happen spontaneously (i.e. showing up for the morning or evening commute as usual and getting a wonderful surprise) and actually looking up the schedule and making sure to catch it. I opted for the latter since I didn't ride it last year. This means I arrived to the train early from my internship and stuck around as three trains passed, waiting for the holiday one. And I was not disappointed! The seats were covered in holiday themed fabric, typically white lights were alternating red and green, Christmas music over the intercom, tinsel wrapped around the handrails, and a CTA staff at each end of the car dressed as an elf and wishing everyone a happy holiday.
I went to Millennium Park with Danielle to watch the tree lighting shortly after Thanksgiving. I did this last year with Anne and a friend of hers, but it was raining and much colder. This year, because the weather was nicer, there were a ton more people but we got an ok spot. They were super late in lighting it, but the fireworks made it all worth it (I don't remember them doing fireworks last year).
Through my internship and tutoring, I attended two holiday parties back to back. I exchanged secret santa gifts (I asked for tea and granola bars: check!), played skeeball, sang karaoke, and got to know the folks I work with a little better. At a later date I entered into a cookie decorating contest, and won (most festive)! I wasn't there, so I am not sure if a prize was issued.
I helped my friend Danielle carry a Christmas tree to her apartment and scored some free branches that I have turned into a makeshift tree. I have teeny tiny lights for it (thanks to Danielle) and a few ornaments. My all time favorite thing to put up though, is the stocking that Tracy gave me. It's a ballerina with my name embroidered on the cuff. It was hung from my door the day after Thanksgiving.
Lastly,
I cannot wait to see most of you for Christmas and I will be thinking of those of you that I don't get to see! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I have yet to go ice skating, but one winter activity I participated in this year was the holiday train! Each year the CTA trains get decked out with Christmas music, decorations, etc. and Santa even rides the train. I think they usually do it twice for each line (I rode it on the Red Line) and then a few buses get decorated as well. I was torn between letting it happen spontaneously (i.e. showing up for the morning or evening commute as usual and getting a wonderful surprise) and actually looking up the schedule and making sure to catch it. I opted for the latter since I didn't ride it last year. This means I arrived to the train early from my internship and stuck around as three trains passed, waiting for the holiday one. And I was not disappointed! The seats were covered in holiday themed fabric, typically white lights were alternating red and green, Christmas music over the intercom, tinsel wrapped around the handrails, and a CTA staff at each end of the car dressed as an elf and wishing everyone a happy holiday.
I went to Millennium Park with Danielle to watch the tree lighting shortly after Thanksgiving. I did this last year with Anne and a friend of hers, but it was raining and much colder. This year, because the weather was nicer, there were a ton more people but we got an ok spot. They were super late in lighting it, but the fireworks made it all worth it (I don't remember them doing fireworks last year).Through my internship and tutoring, I attended two holiday parties back to back. I exchanged secret santa gifts (I asked for tea and granola bars: check!), played skeeball, sang karaoke, and got to know the folks I work with a little better. At a later date I entered into a cookie decorating contest, and won (most festive)! I wasn't there, so I am not sure if a prize was issued.
I helped my friend Danielle carry a Christmas tree to her apartment and scored some free branches that I have turned into a makeshift tree. I have teeny tiny lights for it (thanks to Danielle) and a few ornaments. My all time favorite thing to put up though, is the stocking that Tracy gave me. It's a ballerina with my name embroidered on the cuff. It was hung from my door the day after Thanksgiving.
Lastly,
I cannot wait to see most of you for Christmas and I will be thinking of those of you that I don't get to see! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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